Collections

Advanced Search

Figure, storyteller, bears

Date: 1987

Artist or Maker: Stella Teller (b. 1929)

Dimensions:

Dimensions: 12.7 × 10.2 cm (5 × 4 in.)

Weight: 0.5 kg (1.15 lb.)

Medium: clay | paints | turquoise

Credit Line: Gift of the Estate of Marie Byrne, 2005.

Object Number: SAR.2005-20-67

Not on view

DescriptionOff-white storyteller, male bear with four cubs - gray painted lines for eyes, nose, and toenails. A turquoise heishi bead necklace goes half-way around mother bears neck. The bottom of mother bear's feet are painted gray.
Tribal Collection Review RemarksAccording to the participants in the Isleta collection review visit March 17, 2022 (Events Record “Collection Review: Isleta Collection Review 1"): This is a male bear which is symbolic of good health. This figure is hand formed, white slip applied to the exterior and stone polished. The heads on the bears are hollow. The artist, Stella Teller, is known for her white bear figures. She stated that the bear’s eyes are closed because you must use your imagination when you hear stories. Her daughter, Lynette Teller, is the one who gathers the clay and processes it for her.

In Collection(s)

Works by IARC Artist Fellows

The Indian Arts Research Center, in collaboration with Native American community scholars, strives to present accurate collections records. Records may be updated as new information becomes available and is reviewed with the Native American community having cultural affinity to particular items. Please write to iarc@sarsf.org if you have questions or concerns related to the documentation.